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NYO launches new Inspire Orchestra to encourage participation in music

The NYO Inspire Orchestra will consist of young musicians who have taken part in the NYO Inspire project, which gives school pupils the chance to take part in Inspire Days (one-day workshops with NYO musicians and tutors) and Inspire Ensembles (three-day residencies).

Now, for the first time, NYO is introducing a full orchestra to the project.

The orchestra will meet for the first time in Manchester at the end of June for a five-day residential rehearsal period under the leadership of Duncan Ward before touring to secondary schools in north-west England between 2 and 6 July.

The 70 teenage musicians selected to take part will perform in schools across the region, including those in communities where young people have had little or no chance to enjoy classical music.

Sarah Alexander, chief executive of the NYO, said: ‘Music provision in the UK is patchy and we at NYO see the results of this every year.

‘Many brilliant teenage musicians struggle to gain a place in NYO not through lack of talent or commitment, but simply because they have had so little opportunity to develop their ensemble performance skills. NYO Inspire is targeted directly at these musicians.’

Music Mark introduces membership category for schools

22 April 2015

A concert presented by the Sheffield Music Hub, a Music Mark member

Music Mark, the national association for music education, has created a new membership category for schools.

Membership of the association was previously limited to music services and individual members including classroom and instrumental teachers, consultants, advisers, inspectors and lecturers in initial teacher education.

It is the latest development in a strategic partnership between the two organisations, which collaborated in 2014 to produce a series of roadshows for music teachers.

Jem Shuttleworth, general manager of Music Mark, said: ‘All of our members recognise the value of music and its positive contribution to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.

‘We are delighted to now be able to support the existing and developing partnerships that many schools have with their local music services as well as providing easy access to our members’ expertise, experience and extensive knowledge of music education.’

Lincoln Abbotts, director of strategic development at ABRSM, said: ‘This is a strategic partnership putting young people at the centre – we all care about supporting and inspiring the next generation of performers, teachers, leaders and advocates.

‘A more joined-up approach to music making – in and out of school – leads to a better outcome for children and young people.’

Membership is now open and schools can join through their local music service.

The STAT says backward-sloping chairs encourage children to adopt poor posture, increasing the risk of back pain during their school years and later in life.

An online petition calling for the regulations to be changed says: ‘As poor postural habits are a root cause of back and neck pain, continuing to allow school chairs to slope backwards will, without doubt, escalate back problems among today’s schoolchildren and for generations to come.

‘We believe that the effects of such a seemingly innocuous object on the health of our children and future generations should be researched further and reviewed.’

Kleinman said: ‘Some of my students find it very difficult to sit or stand for more than a few minutes. They’re restless and exhausted.

‘We’re really letting young people down by not recognising the long-term harm caused by a backward-sloping chair.’

Don’t Stop the Music taken on by industry bodies

20 April 2015

James Rhodes: ‘Don’t Stop the Music gave me sleepless nights’Channel 4

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) and Music Industries Association (MIA) have announced they will ‘work in association’ on the Don’t Stop the Music campaign, which launched last year alongside a Channel 4 documentary featuring pianist James Rhodes.

The campaign aims to improve music teaching in schools and last year ran a musical instrument amnesty to coincide with the television broadcast.

Rhodes said of the campaign and its development: ‘The findings from the initial stages of Don’t Stop the Music gave me sleepless nights. Music education is in desperate need of support from the government, and with May’s election fast approaching, it is important that music education is not forgotten by whoever forms the next government. I am delighted that the ISM, in association with MIA, has agreed to become an integral part of this campaign.’

The report following Ofsted’s recent consultation on its proposals for inspection reform – which will be implemented from September – noted responses from ‘many parents and others’ received as a direct result of the campaign, all calling for a specific focus on music. It said: ‘Ofsted cannot commit to focusing inspection disproportionately on an individual subject. However, we agree with the broader point that inspection must take account of whether schools offer a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum … we will consider the breadth and balance of a provider’s curriculum under the effectiveness of leadership and management judgement.’

Royal College of Music appoints John Simpson Architects for £25m redevelopment

The conservatoire in South Kensington, London, has appointed John Simpson Architects to work on the project and planning permission is being sought for works to start in 2016.

The new facilities will be built at the college’s main campus on Prince Consort Road, which also includes the newly restored Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall and the Britten Theatre.

The two proposed performance spaces will seat 150 and 90 people. There will also be additional practice rooms, new recording and broadcasting facilities and improved access and circulation around the site, including step-free access.

In addition, he RCM’s Museum of Music will benefit from a new permanent home.

Colin Lawson, director of the Royal College of Music, said: ‘This is a vital development for the RCM. We have always been a home for creative pioneers and our physical spaces must keep pace with our artistic ambitions.

‘The development of our courtyard space will radically enhance our facilities. John Simpson Architects provide an exceptional understanding of manipulation of space, light and material, and have designed a new building that will stand alongside and acknowledge the historic importance and quality of our original buildings.’

Lord Winston, chairman of the Royal College of Music, added: ‘John Simpson’s vision makes best use of the RCM’s space and was unanimously selected by the RCM Council.

‘In extending the language of the existing building, his design showcases a sensitive response to the RCM’s Victorian heritage. The proposed works will unlock the RCM’s potential and secure its long-term future as a world-leading music conservatoire.’

HRH the Prince of Wales has agreed to be patron of the RCM’s More Music campaign to fund the building development.